The nurse is preparing to discharge a patient after having ...

[P68T]

The nurse is preparing to discharge a patient after having outpatient surgery. Which criteria should the nurse use to determine whether the patient is eligible to be discharged?
 
  Select all that apply.
 
  1. stable vital signs
  2. no nausea or dizziness
  3. pain controlled
  4. adequate urine output
  5. patient's expressed readiness to go home

Question 2

The nurse in the same-day surgical care area is preparing a patient for surgery. What should the nurse do to ensure that this patient has a successful recovery from the surgery?
 
  1. Provide teaching and additional resources to help the patient when at home.
  2. Measure intake and output.
  3. Assess vital signs.
  4. Limit pain control measures since the patient will need to ambulate when leaving after the surgery.

[scrocafella]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4

Following outpatient surgery, the patient will be discharged after meeting the institution's criteria, which typically include tolerance of fluids or food, stable vital signs, absence of nausea or dizziness, pain control, adequate urine output, as well as patient being oriented and demonstrating understanding of postoperative instructions. The patient's expressing readiness to go home is not a criterion that would make him or her eligible for discharge after outpatient surgery.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

The major differences between inpatient and outpatient care lie in the degree of teaching and emotional support that are necessary for outpatient surgical patients and their families. The degree of teaching that is necessary for outpatient surgical patients and their families is greater than for postoperative patients who recover as inpatients. The nurse may or may not need to measure the patient's intake and output. The nurse will assess all surgical patients' vital signs. The nurse should ensure the patient's pain is controlled and not limit pain medication.